Not Feeling the Love

In this Chronicle of Higher Education article, Allison Vaillancourt (University of Arizona) tells about a colleague who is thinking seriously about leaving the university despite having an important role, being exceptionally well regarded, frequently hearing validation from colleagues, enjoying his work, and having strong ties to the university and the community. Why? Because the senior leadership doesn’t tell him that his work is appreciated. 

“Making people feel valued is not that hard and rarely requires throwing dollar bills,” says Vaillancourt. People just need to hear from the boss that they’re doing a good job, and bosses need to scope out possible problems with questions like these: “You are important to us, so what do we need to do to keep you engaged?” and “We want to keep you, so what can we do to make sure that you don’t go on the job market?”

“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” by Allison Vaillancourt in The Chronicle of Higher Education, Oct. 25, 2013 (Vol. LX, 8, p. A35), 

https://chronicle.com/blogs/onhiring/have-i-told-you-lately-that-i-...